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1.
Front Neurorobot ; 18: 1398703, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38831877

ABSTRACT

Introduction: During the last few years, a heightened interest has been shown in classifying scene images depicting diverse robotic environments. The surge in interest can be attributed to significant improvements in visual sensor technology, which has enhanced image analysis capabilities. Methods: Advances in vision technology have a major impact on the areas of multiple object detection and scene understanding. These tasks are an integral part of a variety of technologies, including integrating scenes in augmented reality, facilitating robot navigation, enabling autonomous driving systems, and improving applications in tourist information. Despite significant strides in visual interpretation, numerous challenges persist, encompassing semantic understanding, occlusion, orientation, insufficient availability of labeled data, uneven illumination including shadows and lighting, variation in direction, and object size and changing background. To overcome these challenges, we proposed an innovative scene recognition framework, which proved to be highly effective and yielded remarkable results. First, we perform preprocessing using kernel convolution on scene data. Second, we perform semantic segmentation using UNet segmentation. Then, we extract features from these segmented data using discrete wavelet transform (DWT), Sobel and Laplacian, and textual (local binary pattern analysis). To recognize the object, we have used deep belief network and then find the object-to-object relation. Finally, AlexNet is used to assign the relevant labels to the scene based on recognized objects in the image. Results: The performance of the proposed system was validated using three standard datasets: PASCALVOC-12, Cityscapes, and Caltech 101. The accuracy attained on the PASCALVOC-12 dataset exceeds 96% while achieving a rate of 95.90% on the Cityscapes dataset. Discussion: Furthermore, the model demonstrates a commendable accuracy of 92.2% on the Caltech 101 dataset. This model showcases noteworthy advancements beyond the capabilities of current models.

2.
J Fluoresc ; 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38691279

ABSTRACT

A novel ratiometric fluorescence probe was developed for the determination of azithromycin (AZM) and sulfide ions based on the differential modulation of red emissive carbon dots (R-N@CDs) and blue emissive carbon dots (B-NS@CDs). The addition of sulfide anion selectively quenched the red emission of R-N@CDs while the blue emission of B-NS@CDs unaffected. Upon subsequent introduction of AZM to this R-N@CDs@sulfide system, the quenched red fluorescence was restored. Comprehensive characterization of the CDs was performed using UV-Vis, fluorescence, FTIR spectroscopy, XPS, and TEM. The proposed method exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity, with limits of detection of 0.33 µM for AZM and 0.21 µM for sulfide. Notably, this approach enabled direct detection of sulfide without requiring prior modulation of the CDs with metal ions, as is common in other reported methods. The ratiometric probe was successfully applied for the determination of AZM in biological fluids and sulfide in environmental water samples with high selectivity. This work presents the first fluorometric method for the detection of AZM in biological fluids.

3.
Anal Methods ; 16(19): 3125-3130, 2024 May 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38700061

ABSTRACT

A new fluorescence sensing approach has been proposed for the precise determination of the anti-cancer drug oxaliplatin (Oxal-Pt). This method entails synthesizing blue-emitting copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) functionalized with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the stabilizing agent. Upon excitation at 360 nm, the resultant probe exhibits emission at 460 nm. Notably, the fluorescence response of BSA@CuNCs substantially increases upon incubation with Oxal-Pt due to multiple binding interactions between the drug and the fluorescent probe. These interactions involve hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and the high affinity between the SH groups (cysteine residues of BSA) and platinum (in Oxal-Pt). Consequently, this interaction induces aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) of BSA@CuNCs. The probe demonstrates a broad response range from 0.08 to 140.0 µM, along with a low detection limit of 20.0 nM, determined based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Furthermore, the probe effectively detects Oxal-Pt in injections, human serum, and urine samples, yielding acceptable results. This study represents a significant advancement in the development of a straightforward and efficient sensor for monitoring platinum-containing anti-cancer drugs during chemotherapy.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Copper , Drug Monitoring , Fluorescent Dyes , Oxaliplatin , Serum Albumin, Bovine , Spectrometry, Fluorescence , Oxaliplatin/chemistry , Serum Albumin, Bovine/chemistry , Copper/chemistry , Humans , Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry , Drug Monitoring/methods , Spectrometry, Fluorescence/methods , Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Animals , Limit of Detection , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Cattle
4.
Anal Methods ; 16(20): 3287-3296, 2024 May 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38738631

ABSTRACT

This study introduces a novel approach for the simultaneous determination of topotecan (TOP) and pantoprazole (PNT), two drugs whose interaction is critical in clinical applications. The significance of this study originates from the need to understand the pharmacokinetic changes of TOP after PNT administration, which can inform necessary dose adjustments of TOP. To achieve this, nitrogen blue emissive carbon dots (B@NCDs) were produced and employed due to their unique fluorescent properties. When TOP is added to B@NCDs, it exhibits strong native fluorescence at 545 nm without influencing the B@NCDs' fluorescence at 447 nm. Conversely, PNT causes quenching of B@NCDs fluorescence, a property that enables the distinct detection of both drugs. The B@NCDs were fully characterized using different techniques, including ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, fluorescence analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and FTIR spectroscopy. The proposed method demonstrated excellent linearity, selectivity, and sensitivity, with low detection limits (LOD, S/N = 3); 0.0016 µg mL-1 for TOP and 0.36 µg mL-1 for PNT. Applied to spiked rabbit plasma samples, this method offers a new approach for evaluating the pharmacokinetic interaction between TOP and PNT. It enables the determination of all pharmacokinetic parameters of TOP before and after coadministration with PNT, providing essential insights into whether dose adjustments are necessary. This research not only contributes to the field of drug monitoring and interaction studies but also exemplifies the potential of B@NCDs in complex biological matrices, paving the way for further pharmacological and therapeutic applications.


Subject(s)
Carbon , Pantoprazole , Quantum Dots , Topotecan , Pantoprazole/pharmacokinetics , Pantoprazole/chemistry , Topotecan/pharmacokinetics , Topotecan/chemistry , Topotecan/analysis , Carbon/chemistry , Quantum Dots/chemistry , Spectrometry, Fluorescence/methods , Animals , Limit of Detection , Fluorescent Dyes/chemistry
5.
Microsc Res Tech ; 2024 Apr 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38581370

ABSTRACT

To incorporate different concentrations of Al2O9Zr3 (1%, 5%, and 10%) nanoparticles (NP) into the ER adhesive and subsequently assess the impact of this addition on the degree of conversion, µTBS, and antimicrobial efficacy. The current research involved a wide-ranging examination that merged various investigative techniques, including the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface characterization of NP coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, µTBS testing, and microbial analysis. Teeth were divided into four groups based on the application of modified and unmodified three-step ER adhesive primer. Group 1 (0% Al2O9Zr3 NPs) Control, Group 2 (1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), Group 3 (5% Al2O9Zr3 NPs), and Group 4 (10% Al2O9Zr3 NPs). EDX analysis of Al2O9Zr3 NPs was performed showing elemental distribution in synthesized NPs. Zirconium (Zr), Aluminum (Al), and Oxides (O2). After primer application, an assessment of the survival rate of Streptococcus mutans was completed. The FTIR spectra were analyzed to observe the characteristic peaks indicating the conversion of double bonds, both before and after the curing process, for the adhesive Etch and rinse containing 1,5,10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs. µTBS and failure mode assessment were performed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and stereomicroscope respectively. The µTBS and S.mutans survival rates comparison among different groups was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc (p = .05). Group 4 (10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans (0.11 ± 0.02 CFU/mL). Nonetheless, Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) displayed the maximum surviving S.mutans (0.52 ± 0.08 CFU/mL). Moreover, Group 2 (1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (21.22 ± 0.73 MPa) samples displayed highest µTBS. However, the bond strength was weakest in Group 1 (0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive) (14.13 ± 0.32 MPa) study samples. The etch-and-rinse adhesive exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) when 1% Al2O9Zr3 NPs was incorporated, as opposed to the control group. Nevertheless, the incorporation of Al2O9Zr3 NPs led to a decrease in DC. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 10 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive specimens exhibited the minimum survival of S.mutans. 1 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive samples displayed the most strong composite/CAD bond. The highest DC was observed in Group 1: 0 wt% Al2O9Zr3 NPs + ER adhesive.

6.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 173: 116358, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38430634

ABSTRACT

Physical and psychological stress has an inverse relation with male libido and sperm quality. The present study investigates the potential fertility-enhancing properties of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root extracts in male Wister rats subjected to immobilization-induced stress (SIMB). DG roots were extracted using n-hexane (HEDG), chloroform (CEDG), and water (AEDG). In the pilot study, aphrodisiac protentional was investigated at two doses (125 and 250 mg kg-1) of each extract. In the main study, the HEDG and AEDG at 125 and 250 mg kg-1 were challenged for the stress by immobilization (SIMB), for 6 h daily over 28 days. Parameters assessed included aphrodisiac effects, gonadosomatic index (GSI), semen quality, sperm quantity, fructose content, serum hormonal levels, testicular oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology. Additional in silico studies, including the lipid solubility index, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and SymMap studies were conducted for validation. HEDG demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity, improved - GSI, sperm quality and quantity, and fructose content, serum testosterone levels, histological changes induced by SIMB in the testes. Swiss ADME studies indicated Gangetin (a pterocarpan) had a high brain permeation index (4.81), a superior docking score (-8.22), and higher glide energy (-42.60), compared with tadalafil (-7.17). The 'Lig fit Prot' plot in molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong alignment between Gangetin and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). HEDG exerts aphrodisiac effects by increasing blood testosterone levels and affecting PDE5 activity. The protective effects on spermatozoa-related parameters and testicular histological changes are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of pterocarpan (gangetin).


Subject(s)
Aphrodisiacs , Infertility, Male , Pterocarpans , Rats , Male , Animals , Humans , Aphrodisiacs/pharmacology , Rats, Wistar , Semen Analysis , Pilot Projects , Molecular Docking Simulation , Pterocarpans/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/metabolism , Semen , Testis , Oxidative Stress , Infertility, Male/drug therapy , Infertility, Male/etiology , Infertility, Male/metabolism , Testosterone , Fructose/metabolism
7.
Anal Methods ; 16(12): 1804-1810, 2024 Mar 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38436376

ABSTRACT

In this study, we present a thoughtful integration of a dispersive solid-phase sorbent and oxine for the ultrasensitive and highly selective determination of Al3+ ions. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4 NPs) modified with oxine were employed to facilitate the pre-concentration and estimation of Al3+, forming highly fluorescent chelate. The modification process included the assistance of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sonication. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity of Al3+-oxine/SDS@CoFe2O4 NPs surpassed that of Al3+-oxine alone. The confirmation of the successful functionalization of CoFe2O4 NPs with oxine was established through various techniques. Under optimal conditions, the fluorescence intensity exhibited a positive correlation with increasing concentrations of Al3+ within the range of 0.029-600 ng mL-1, achieving a detection limit of 0.0087 ng mL-1 based on signal to noise ratio 3 : 1. The developed method was effectively applied to the determination of Al3+ in drinking water samples, yielding recoveries in the range of 97.19% to 103.13%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD%) not exceeding 3.78%.

8.
RSC Adv ; 14(8): 5406-5416, 2024 Feb 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38348296

ABSTRACT

In the present study, nanoceria-decorated MWCNTs (CeNPs@MWCNTs) were synthesized using a simple and inexpensive process. Molnupiravir (MPV) has gained considerable attention in recent years due to the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since some people infected with COVID-19 experience fever and headaches, paracetamol (PCM) has been prescribed to relieve these symptoms. Therefore, there is an urgent need to monitor and detect these drugs simultaneously in pharmaceutical and biological samples. In this regard, we developed a novel sensor based on nanoceria-loaded MWCNTs (CeNPs@MWCNTs) for simultaneous monitoring of MPV and PCM. The incorporation of CeNPs@MWCNTs electrocatalyst into a glassy carbon microsphere fluorolube oil paste electrode (GCMFE) creates more active sites, which increase the surface area, electrocatalytic ability, and electron transfer efficiency. Interestingly, CeNPs@MWCNTs modified GCMFE demonstrated excellent detection limits (6.0 nM, 8.6 nM), linear ranges (5.0-5120 nM, 8.0-4162 nM), and sensitivities (78.6, 94.3 µA µM-1 cm-2) for simultaneous detection of MPV and PCM. The developed CeNPs@MWCNTs electrocatalyst modified GCMFE exhibited good repeatability, anti-interference capability, stability, and real-time analysis with good recovery results, which clearly indicates that it can be used for real-time industrial applications.

9.
Brain Spine ; 3: 102688, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38020998

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The purpose is to report on the fourth set of recommendations developed by SPINE20 to advocate for evidence-based spine care globally under the theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future WITHOUT Spine DISABILITY". Research question: Not applicable. Material and methods: Recommendations were developed and refined through two modified Delphi processes with international, multi-professional panels. Results: Seven recommendations were delivered to the G20 countries calling them to:-establish, prioritize and implement accessible National Spine Care Programs to improve spine care and health outcomes.-eliminate structural barriers to accessing timely rehabilitation for spinal disorders to reduce poverty.-implement cost-effective, evidence-based practice for digital transformation in spine care, to deliver self-management and prevention, evaluate practice and measure outcomes.-monitor and reduce safety lapses in primary care including missed diagnoses of serious spine pathologies and risk factors for spinal disability and chronicity.-develop, implement and evaluate standardization processes for spine care delivery systems tailored to individual and population health needs.-ensure accessible and affordable quality care to persons with spine disorders, injuries and related disabilities throughout the lifespan.-promote and facilitate healthy lifestyle choices (including physical activity, nutrition, smoking cessation) to improve spine wellness and health. Discussion and conclusion: SPINE20 proposes that focusing on the recommendations would facilitate equitable access to health systems, affordable spine care delivered by a competent healthcare workforce, and education of persons with spine disorders, which will contribute to reducing spine disability, associated poverty, and increase productivity of the G20 nations.

10.
J Biomol Struct Dyn ; : 1-13, 2023 Oct 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37815007

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is among the highly prevalent neurodegenerative disorder of the aging brain and is allied with cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. Unfortunately, there is very limited drug discovery for the effective management of AD, and the clinically approved drugs have limited efficacy. Consequently, there is an immediate demand for the development of new compounds that have the ability to act as multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs). As major pathological targets of the disease, the current study aimed to investigate lead natural bioactive compounds including apigenin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, berberine, curcumin, genistein, luteolin, quercetin, resveratrol for their inhibitory potentials against ß-amyloid cleaving enzyme-1 (BACE1) and monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) enzymes. The study compounds were docked against the target enzymes (MAO-B and BACE1) using MOE software and subsequent molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) studies. The molecular docking analysis revealed that these phytochemicals (MTDLs) showed good interactions with the target enzymes as compared to the reference inhibitors. Among these eight phytocompounds, the epigallocatechin-3-gallate compound was an active inhibitor against both drug targets, with the highest docking scores and good interactions with the active residues of the enzymes. Furthermore, the docking result of the active one inhibitor in complex with the target enzymes (epigallocatechin-3-gallate/BACE1, epigallocatechin-3-gallate/MAO-B, reference/BACE1 and reference/MAO-B) were further validated by MDS. According to the findings of our study, epigallocatechin-3-gallate has the potential to be a candidate for use in the treatment of neurological illnesses like AD. This compound has MTDL potential and may be exploited to create new compounds with disease-modifying features.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

11.
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc ; 303: 123252, 2023 Dec 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37579662

ABSTRACT

A simple fluorescence method is described for measuring rutin dependent on the nitogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) prepared via simple pyrolysis method from chicken feet biowaste. The as-fabricated NCDs have unique advantages including cost-effectiveness and high quantum yield (42.9 %). The as-prepared NCDs explore an optimal emission band at 430 nm following exciting NCDs at 330 nm. Addition of rutin to blue-emissive NCDs quenched their fluorescence emission by inner-filtration effect (IFE) and static quenching. Under optimized conditions, the fluorescence responses increased as the rutin amount was raised from 100 to 1000 nmol/L with 5.3 nmol/L as a detection limit (S/N = 3). The probe selectivity was improved by adding bovine serum albumin (BSA), which binds other structurally-related compounds (other flavonoids). The as-synthesized NCDs exhibited some advantages towards rutin detection such as: lower LOD value, satisfactorily reproducibility, simplicity, rapidity, selectivity, and stability. The sensing probe was efficiently utilized for determining rutin in different real samples with acceptable results. The sensor offers an efficient biowaste-based approach for the determination of (bio) molecules.


Subject(s)
Quantum Dots , Serum Albumin, Bovine , Animals , Chickens , Rutin , Carbon , Nitrogen , Reproducibility of Results , Fluorescent Dyes , Spectrometry, Fluorescence/methods
12.
RSC Adv ; 13(34): 23736-23744, 2023 Aug 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37555090

ABSTRACT

Water contamination with harmful ions has grown to be a significant environmental issue on a global scale. Therefore, the fabrication of simple, cost-effective, and reliable sensors is essential for identifying these ions. Herein, co-doping of carbon dots with new caffeine and H3BO3-derived boron (B) and nitrogen (N) was performed (BN@CDs). The as-prepared BN@CDs probe was used for the tandem fluorescence sensing of Al3+ and F- based on "ON-OFF-ON" switches. The BN@CDs nanoswitch has a high quantum yield of 44.8% with λexc. and λem. of 360 nm and 440 nm, respectively. The probe exhibited good stability with different pH, ionic-strengths, and irradiation times. The fluorescence emission of BN@CDs was decreased as the Al3+ concentration was increased with a linear range of 0.03-90 µM and a limit of detection (S/N = 3) equal to 9.0 nM. Addition of F- restored the BN@CDs emission as F- ions form a strong and stable complex with Al3+ ions [Al(OH)3F]-. Therefore, the ratio response (F/F°) was raised by raising the F- ion concentration to the range of 0.18-80 µM with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 50.0 nM. The BN@CDs sensor exhibits some advantages over other reported methods in terms of simplicity, high quantum yield, and low detection limit. Importantly, the sensor was successfully applied to determine Al3+ and F- in various ecological water specimens with accepted results.

13.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 317: 116786, 2023 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37328081

ABSTRACT

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Medicinal plants of the family Rosaceae have a long history of traditional uses in the management of neurological disorders. Sorbaria tomentosa Lindl. Rehder is composed of antioxidant and neuroprotective polyphenolics. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The current study was designed to explore phenolics profile via high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and validated the neuroprotective and anxiolytic potentials of S. tomentosa by applying in vitro and in vivo approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plant crude methanolic extract (St.Crm) and fractions were subjected to HPLC-DAD analysis for qualitative and quantitative assessment of phytochemicals. Samples were screened for in vitro free radicals scavenging assays by using 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) along with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes inhibition assays. For cognitive and anxiolytic studies, mice were subjected to open field, elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark model, Y-maze, shallow water maze (SWM), and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. RESULTS: HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds. For instance, in St.Cr, 21 phenolics were quantified, among which apigenin-7-glucoside (291.6 mg/g), quercetin (122.1 mg/g), quercetin-3-feruloylsophoroside-7-glucoside (52.6 mg/g), quercetin-7-glucoside (51.8 mg/g), ellagic acid (42.7 mg/g), luteolin (45.0 mg/g), kaempferol (40.5 mg/g), 5-feruloylquinic acid (43.7 mg/g) were present in higher concentrations. Likewise, in ethyl acetate fraction (St.Et.Ac), 21 phenolics were identified as 3,5-di-caffeoylquinic acid (177.4 mg/g) and 5-hydroxybenzoylquinic acid (46.9 mg/g) were most abundant phytochemicals. Highly valuable phenolics were also identified in other fractions including butanol (St.Bt), chloroform (St.Chf), and n-hexane (St.Hex). The various fractions exhibited concentration dependent inhibition of free radicals in DPPH and ABTS assays. Potent AChE inhibitory potentials were revealed by the test samples with St.Chf, St.Bt and St.EtAc being the most active having an IC50 of 298.1, 580.1, and 606.47 µg mL-1, respectively. Similarly, St.Chf, St.Bt, St.EtAc and St.Cr exhibited potent BChE inhibitory activity and was observed as 59.14, 54.73, 51.35 and 49.44%, respectively. A significant improvement in the exploratory behavior was observed in open field test and stress/anxiety was relieved effectively at 50-100 mg/kg. Likewise, EPM, light-dark and NOR tests revealed an anxiolytic and memory enhancing behaviors. These effects were further corroborated from the Y-maze and SWM transgenic studies that showed considerable improvement in cognition retention. CONCLUSIONS: These findings concluded that S. tomentosa possessed potential anxiolytic and nootropic efficacies and may have therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders.


Subject(s)
Anti-Anxiety Agents , Butyrylcholinesterase , Animals , Mice , Quercetin/analysis , Acetylcholinesterase , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Anti-Anxiety Agents/pharmacology , Polyphenols/pharmacology , Polyphenols/analysis , Cholinesterase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Antioxidants/chemistry , Free Radicals , Phenols/pharmacology , Phenols/analysis , Cognition
14.
Cureus ; 14(10): e30404, 2022 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36407150

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The majority of causes of childhood blindness are preventable and treatable. There are an estimated 1.4 million blind children worldwide, with roughly three-quarters of them living in developing countries. In most low-income countries, school-age children account for 20%-30% of the total population. AIM: To evaluate parents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to pediatric eye medical services in Saudi Arabia's Aseer region. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was used targeting all parents in the Aseer region. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed by the study investigators. The questionnaire included parents' sociodemographic data and a family history of blindness or visual disability. Parents' awareness regarding pediatric eye care was assessed using relevant items. The parents' practices and attitudes regarding eye care were also assessed within the questionnaire. RESULTS: The study included 899 parents who replied to the online questionnaire in its entirety. Some 54% of the responding parents were aged 30-50 years, and 51.2% were males. Of the parents, 46.2% had a university-level education, and 48.5% accompanied their children for eye examinations. About 65% of the parents knew about clinics for eye examinations, and 63.3% of them knew that blind children could learn. In total, more than one-third of the parents were aware of pediatric eye care. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The study found that parents were aware of pediatric eye health and sought eye care for their children. More effort should be put forth through planned awareness programs to educate parents and assist them in overcoming the fears and barriers that keep them from seeking eye care for their children.

15.
Antibiotics (Basel) ; 11(11)2022 Oct 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36358157

ABSTRACT

An estimated 35% of the world's population depends on wheat as their primary crop. One fifth of the world's wheat is utilized as animal feed, while more than two thirds are used for human consumption. Each year, 17-18% of the world's wheat is consumed by China and India. In wheat, spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is one of the major diseases which affects the wheat crop growth and yield in warmer and humid regions of the world. The present work was conducted to evaluate the effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles on the biochemical constituents of wheat crops infected with spot blotch disease. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Mangifera indica leaf extract and their characterization was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and PSA. Characterization techniques confirm the presence of crystalline, spherical silver nanoparticles with an average size of 52 nm. The effect of green synthesized nanoparticles on antioxidative enzymes, e.g., Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Reductase (GR), Peroxidase (POX), and phytochemical precursor enzyme Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase (PAL), and on primary and secondary metabolites, e.g., reducing sugar and total phenol, in Bipolaris sorokiniana infected wheat crop were studied. Inoculation of fungal spores was conducted after 40 days of sowing. Subsequently, diseased plants were treated with silver nanoparticles at different concentrations. Elevation in all biochemical constituents was recorded under silver nanoparticle application. The treatment with a concentration of nanoparticles at 50 pp min diseased plants showed the highest resistance towards the pathogen. The efficacy of the green synthesized AgNPs as antibacterial agents was evaluated against multi drug resistant (MDR) bacteria comprising Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (n = 6) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7) and Gram-positive bacteria Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 2). The results show promising antibacterial activity with significant inhibition zones observed with the disc diffusion method, thus indicating green synthesized M. indica AgNPs as an active antibacterial agent against MDR pathogens.

16.
Comput Intell Neurosci ; 2022: 7075408, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36072731

ABSTRACT

The use of an automatic histopathological image identification system is essential for expediting diagnoses and lowering mistake rates. Although it is of enormous clinical importance, computerized breast cancer multiclassification using histological pictures has rarely been investigated. A deep learning-based classification strategy is suggested to solve the challenge of automated categorization of breast cancer pathology pictures. The attention model that acts on the feature channel is the channel refinement model. The learned channel weight may be used to reduce superfluous features when implementing the feature channel. To increase classification accuracy, calibration is necessary. To increase the accuracy of channel recalibration findings, a multiscale channel recalibration model is provided, and the msSE-ResNet convolutional neural network is built. The multiscale properties flow through the network's highest pooling layer. The channel weights obtained at different scales are delivered into line fusion and used as input to the next channel recalibration model, which may improve the results of channel recalibration. The experimental findings reveal that the spatial recalibration model fares poorly on the job of classifying breast cancer pathology pictures when applied to the semantic segmentation of brain MRI images. The public BreakHis dataset is used to conduct the experiment. The network performs benign/malignant breast pathology picture classification collected at various magnifications with a classification accuracy of 88.87 percent, according to experimental data. The diseased images are also more resilient. Experiments on pathological pictures at various magnifications show that msSE-ResNet34 is capable of performing well when used to classify pathological images at various magnifications.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms , Carcinoma , Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Calibration , Female , Humans , Keratoacanthoma , Neural Networks, Computer
17.
Biomed Res Int ; 2022: 1092761, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35937399

ABSTRACT

In present study, eleven cephalosporin drugs were selected to explore their new medically important enzyme targets with inherited safety advantage. To this end, selected drugs with active ingredient, cefpodoxime proxetil, ceftazidime, cefepime, ceftriaxone sodium, cefaclor, cefotaxime sodium, cefixime trihydrate, cephalexin, cefadroxil, cephradine, and cefuroxime, were evaluated and found to have significant activity against urease (IC50 = 0.06 ± 0.004 to 0.37 ± 0.046 mM) and tyrosinase (IC50 = 0.01 ± 0.0005 to 0.12 ± 0.017 mM) enzymes. Urease activity was lower than standard thiourea; however, tyrosinase activity of all drugs outperforms (ranging 6 to 18 times) the positive control: hydroquinone (IC50 = 0.18 ± 0.02 mM). Moreover, the kinetic analysis of the most active drugs, ceftriaxone sodium and cefotaxime sodium, revealed that they bind irreversibly with both the enzymes; however, their mode of action was competitive for urease and mixed-type, preferentially competitive for tyrosinase enzyme. Like in vitro activity, ceftriaxone sodium and cefotaxime sodium docking analysis showed their considerable binding affinity and significant interactions with both urease and tyrosinase enzymes sufficient for downstream signaling responsible for observed enzyme inhibition in vitro, purposing them as potent candidates to control enzyme-rooted obstructions in future.


Subject(s)
Cephalosporins , Urease , Cefotaxime , Ceftriaxone , Cephalosporins/pharmacology , Kinetics , Molecular Docking Simulation , Monophenol Monooxygenase
18.
Urology ; 169: 120-124, 2022 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35944654

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the effects of a successful KT on EF in male patients with ESRD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center cross-sectional prospective study to assess the erectile dysfunction in male patients one month before and one year after KT. We adopted a validated, self-administered translated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire. A sub-analysis was performed by categorizing the cohort into 2 age groups: <50 and ≥50 yr. RESULTS: Between September 2017 and February 2021, 68 ESRD patients underwent kidney transplantation (KT), with a mean age of 48.9 ± 12.9 years. Thirty-one patients were below 50 years (Group I). The median hemodialysis duration was 12 months. Sixty-three patients (92.6%) had ED. The mean total IIEF-15 score before and after was 46.8/75 ±12.7 and 55.5 ±13, respectively (P <.001). Forty-six patients (67.6%) reported improved erectile function, 22 (32.4%) did not demonstrate any change, and no patient reported deterioration. Moreover, after KT, sexual desire, orgasm, and overall patient satisfaction improved significantly. Before KT, 83.8% and 100% of groups I and II patients had ED, which dropped to 22.6% and 86.5%, respectively, after KT. IIEF-15 scores improved in both groups. However, the improvement in ED was observed significantly in young patients with mild ED. CONCLUSION: KT positively impacts sexual function and improves erectile dysfunction, especially among young patients. The duration of dialysis before kidney transplantation had no impact on ED improvement after transplantation. The positive effect of transplantation on ED could encourage ESRD patients to undergo KT.


Subject(s)
Erectile Dysfunction , Kidney Failure, Chronic , Kidney Transplantation , Humans , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Erectile Dysfunction/etiology , Renal Dialysis , Prospective Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Penile Erection , Surveys and Questionnaires , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Kidney Failure, Chronic/surgery
19.
Curr Issues Mol Biol ; 44(7): 3180-3193, 2022 Jul 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35877444

ABSTRACT

Therapeutic and/or preventive interventions using phytochemical constituents for ischemic heart disease have gained considerable attention worldwide, mainly due to their antioxidant activity. This study investigated the cardioprotective effect and possible mechanism of juglone, a major constituent of the walnut tree, using an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) model in rats. Rats were pretreated for five (5) days with juglone (1, 3 mg/kg, i.p) and atenolol (1 mg/kg, i.p) in separate experiments before inducing myocardial injury by administration of ISO (80 mg/kg, s.c) at an interval of 24 h for 2 consecutive days (4th and 5th day). The cardioprotective effect of juglone was confirmed through a lead II electrocardiograph (ECG), cardiac biomarkers (cTnI, CPK, CK-MB, LDH, ALT and AST) and histopathological study. The results of our present study suggest that prior administration of juglone (1 and 3 mg/kg) proved to be effective as a cardioprotective therapeutic agent in reducing the extent of myocardial damage (induced by ISO) by fortifying the myocardial cell membrane, preventing elevated T-waves, deep Q-waves in the ECG, heart to body weight ratio, infarction and also by normalizing cardiac marker enzymes (cTnI, CPK, CK-MB, LDH, ALT and AST) and histopathological changes, such as inflammation, edema and necrosis. In conclusion, this study has identified phytochemical constituents, in particular juglone, as a potential cardioprotective agent.

20.
Molecules ; 27(13)2022 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35807437

ABSTRACT

Enzymes that degrade pectin are called pectinases. Pectinases of microbial origin are used in juice clarification as the process is cost-effective. This study screened a pectinase-producing bacterium isolated from soil and identified as Bacillus subtilis 15A B-92 based on the 16S rRNA molecular technique. The purified pectinase from the isolate showed 99.6 U/mg specific activity and 11.6-fold purity. The molecular weight of the purified bacterial pectinase was 14.41 ± 1 kD. Optimum pectinase activity was found at pH 4.5 and 50 °C, and the enzyme was 100% stable for 3.5 h in these conditions. No enzymatic inhibition or activation effect was seen with Fe2+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. However, a slight inhibition was seen with Cu2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+. Tween 20 and 80 slightly inhibited the pectinase, whereas iodoacetic acid (IAA), ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), urea, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) showed potent inhibition. The bacterial pectinase degraded citrus pectin (100%); however, it was inactive in the presence of galactose. With citrus pectin as the substrate, the Km and Vmax were calculated as 1.72 mg/mL and 1609 U/g, respectively. The high affinity of pectinase for its substrate makes the process cost-effective when utilized in food industries. The obtained pectinase was able to clarify orange and apple juices, justifying its application in the food industry.


Subject(s)
Bacillus subtilis , Polygalacturonase , Bacillus subtilis/genetics , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Polygalacturonase/metabolism , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Temperature
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